The Phoenix Suns have made a decisive move by waiving veteran forward Nassir Little and second-year guard EJ Liddell. This decision, which leaves the Suns with an open roster spot, is significant given the team's current financial landscape.
Salary Cap Conundrum
The Suns are currently grappling with the highest payroll in the league, totaling an eye-watering $219 million. This financial heft has pushed them beyond the "second apron," a crucial threshold with severe financial limitations. Exceeding this threshold means the Suns cannot aggregate salaries in trades, trade for more money than they send out, or use any version of the mid-level exception. Additionally, they’re barred from signing players from the buyout market whose initial salary exceeded the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
Nassir Little's Short Stint
Nassir Little, who was acquired as part of the Damian Lillard-Jrue Holiday blockbuster trade, had a fleeting tenure with the Suns. Little averaged 3.4 points and 1.7 rebounds over 45 games in his sole season with Phoenix. Despite his potential, the financial implications of his contract proved too burdensome. The Suns will deploy the stretch provision in waiving Little, spreading his remaining $21 million contract over an extended period. As a result, Little will receive $3 million annually from the Suns until 2032.
EJ Liddell's Rocky Road
Similarly, EJ Liddell's time with the Suns has come to an early end. Originally a second-round pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, Liddell's career was immediately hampered by a torn ACL during the Summer League in 2022, sidelining him for his entire rookie season. Liddell played only eight games for the Pelicans last season, spending significant time in the G League to regain his form and fitness. His journey saw him move from the Pelicans to the Hawks as part of the Dejounte Murray deal, and subsequently to the Suns in exchange for David Roddy.
Future Moves and Strategies
Earlier this summer, the Suns took a strategic step by securing the services of Tyus Jones on a minimum contract. This signing demonstrated the Suns' ability to attract valuable talent even while operating under stringent financial constraints. Now, with an open roster spot, the Suns have the opportunity to scout and sign emerging talent or veterans willing to accept minimum offers.
Despite the challenges presented by their enormous payroll, the Suns' management has demonstrated a clear willingness to make tough decisions. The waiving of Nassir Little and EJ Liddell underlines this approach, as they prioritize financial flexibility in an increasingly restrictive salary cap environment.
Looking ahead, it will be intriguing to see how the Suns navigate these constraints while maintaining competitive performance on the court. The open roster spot presents an opportunity for a strategic addition, potentially setting the stage for an unexpected yet impactful signing. As the season progresses, the Suns' management will need to balance financial prudence with on-court ambitions, keeping fans and analysts alike keenly watching their next moves.